Best Touring Bikes For Men and Women – Adventure Awaits! 

Best Touring bikes for men

TREK 520 

Trek 520 Disc features:

• Shimano Dura-Ace bar-end shifters are both very easy to maintain and easy to use.
• Wheelset is very durable.
• Rims are quite sturdy and were made to accommodate the wider tires.
• Comes with a Bontrager BackRack Deluxe (a rear rack).
• Available in five different frame sizes.
• Satisfying riding experience.

Trek 520 Disc spec as tested:

• Frame:                TIG-welded butted Chromoly steel
• Fork:                   Alloy disc touring with lowrider mounts
• Brakes:               TRP Spyre C2.0 mechanical disc
• Chain:                 KMC X9
• Saddle:                Bontrager Evoke 1
• Tires:                   Bontrager AW1 Hard-case
• Weight:               57cm - 13.08kg / 28.84 lbs
• Sizes:                   48, 51, 54, 57 and 60 cm

At first glance, Trek 520 probably looks as by the numbers as it gets.

But, don't let this traditional design deceive you - this bike packs much more than meets the eye. Besides this stretched out geometry, the way the bike handles the transfer of weight is truly excellent and the frame allows you to easily get into an optimal aerodynamic stance for optimal weight.

This whole situation is largely helped by the fact that you get to choose between five different frame sizes so you can improve your riding experience even further.

But, as good as it is, the frame is not the main star of the show. The manufacturer has decided to grace the bike with very interesting features. Overall, we can say that the build of the bike is very strong without creating an excessive weight that would put too much pressure on the rider on the harder track sections.

Trek 520 may be scarce when it comes to exciting gimmicks (all the deviations from the traditional formula the manufacturer is making are smart and serve some purpose), but it truly delivers in the field that’s the most important for long-distance riders – the performance.

Read more about our experiences with this rugged tourer in our in-depth review of the Trek 520.

Best touring bike for women

RALEIGH TAMLAND

Raleigh Tamland features:

• 631 Chromoly steel tubing represented a good balance between durability and light-weight. 
• Durable HED tomcat wheels are tubeless compatible.
• TRP Spyre mechanical disc brakes have excellent stopping power.
• Extended gear range for serious adventure
• Ride quality is comfortable

Raleigh Tamland spec as tested:

• Frame:                Reynolds 631 Chromoly steel
• Fork:                   Carbon Monocoque Tapered Steer
• Brakes:               TRP Spyre C Flat Mount Mechanical Disc
• Chain:                 KMC X11EL-1
• Saddle:                WTB Volt Comp
• Tires:                   Donnelly X'PLOR 
• Weight:               60cm - 14.6kg / 32.18 lbs

Vehicles that are designed to perform well on gravel are still a pretty novel corner of the bike world.

Raleigh Tamland is an excellent piece of hardware that, with its strong build and added stability, makes strong efforts in finally making the gravel bikes a thing.

So, let us start with the frame – Raleigh Tamland comes in two varieties - Tamland 1 and Tamland 2. Both of the options feature the same basic frame that comes in different sizes ranging from 52 to 60 cm, which makes the bike an excellent choice for riders of different builds.

Another thing we would like to point out (at least in the case of Tamland 1) is the Shimano shifting system which is arguably one of the best you can currently find on the market.

Finally, if you want to get good performance on terrains like gravel, you need to have a good pair of tires. In both of the cases, Tamland addresses this issue with a lot of grace.

Overall, even though Tamland 1 puts on slightly better performance, both of the bike varieties use their ergonomic frames and smart components to create the formula that provides truly great and crowd-pleasing performance on the terrain that is very hard to ride on – a hard formula to crack but we feel the manufacturer made a strong push in the right direction.

Read more about why we recommend this touring bike for women in our in-depth review of Raleigh Tamland.

Best adventure off-road touring bike

1. Co-op Cycles ADV 1.1 Bike 

Co-op Cycles ADV 1.1 Bike features:

• A double-butted Chromoly steel frame offers great stability and strength under heavy loads. 
• Brakes provide powerful, precise speed control.
• Puncture-resistant Schwalbe Marathon tires.
• Reliably smooth ride quality.

Co-op Cycles ADV 1.1 Bike spec as tested:

• Frame:                Steel
• Fork:                   Chromoly Steel
• Brakes:               TRP HY/RD Hydraulic Disc
• Chain:                 Shimano CN-HG54
• Saddle:                WTB Pure V Sport
• Tires:                   Schwalbe Marathon with puncture protection
• Weight:                32 lbs

Now, it’s time to take things in a completely new direction and go completely off-road.

Co-op Cycles ADV 1.1 Bike is a bike that fits this energizing narrative like a well-tailored glove. Just take a look at its name, it’s so edgy.

All this praise we are singing is laid upon a solid frame that comes in the form of a Chromoly steel frame which is incredible, it helps you pass the bike over unavoidable obstacles is truly a breeze without ever compromising its quality. 

Also, we like to point out that the seat is incredibly comfy to sit on, even if you encounter occasional bumps. Obviously, the manufacturer did its best to make the off-road tracks as pleasant as possible.

You have 700 x 38mm Schwalbe Marathon tires that offer pretty strong traction.

Much like the frame, the rims we can find on the wheels are pretty sturdy and look like they can take an incredible amount of punishment.

All in all, this is one very balanced and well-crafted vehicle that features very effortless maintenance and great overall stability on difficult terrain. Throw cool design and lightweight into the mix, and you may have an ultimate off-road bike here.

2. Tommaso Sentiero

TOMMASO SENTIERO

• QUALITY CYCLING PRODUCTS SINCE 1985: Our Italian designed cycling shoes, bicycle, and cycling products have made riders look like pros since '85....
• THIS IS AFFORDABLE PERFORMANCE, NOT ENTRY LEVEL: The Sentiero is a top-performing bike that's not just for beginners. Gravel bikes can be...
• UNLEASH YOUR ADVENTUROUS SIDE: The Sentiero is the ultimate off-road experience, with 700x40c tires, designed to conquer any terrain with...

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Tommaso Sentiero features:

• Lifetime Frame & Fork Warranty.
• Frame is drilled for all varieties of racks and fenders.
• Equipped with Tektro Lyra disc brakes for added stopping power in adverse weather conditions.
• Compact frame geometry and premium compact handlebars offer increased power and comfort.

Tommaso Sentiero spec as tested:

• Frame:                Tommaso 6061 SLA Aluminum Compact Road Frame
• Fork:                   Tommaso SST Steel with Aluminum Steer Tub
• Brakes:               Avid BB5 Disc Brakes
• Chain:                 KMC Z-72 (8spd Chain)
• Saddle:                WTB Volt - Tommaso Logo
• Tires:                   CST Tirent All-Terrain
• Handlebar:          Tommaso Ultralight Sport Series

Tommaso Sentiero is an entry-level bike for all intents and purposes. So, we’ll do our best to treat it as such and avoid direct comparison with other, more expensive units. Still, we all need to be aware of some constraints that come packed with an affordable price tag. 

Let us start with the positives. The first thing we want to point out is that the bike features pretty excellent geometry. The power and comfort are clashing in one beautiful package that has no problem maintaining stability on hilly terrains and taking some beating if you are landing from the minor heights.

Overall, the frame may not be amongst the top offerings of the market, but it is still balanced enough to provide solid performance.

We are also extremely pleased with its Shimano Claris Triple crankset coupled with a 12x25 cassette. This setup gives you all the variety you may need when climbing even the steepest terrains you can find once you get off the main roads.

The bike also features more than a couple of nice touches that are there to improve the overall comfort of the vehicle. Take, for instance, the optimized handlebars that are both ergonomic and efficient.

On the more positive side, the frame is very tough and can withstand a lot of abuse. Unfortunately, it also makes the bike too heavy for harder terrains and riders who are not at the peak of their form.

Best folding bike for touring

1. Brompton H6R Folding Bike 

Brompton H6R Folding Bike features:

• All-steel frame delivers the quality of a full-size bike.
• Upright handlebars promote a comfortable and casual riding position.
• Durable tires have extra flat tire protection.
• Handmade leather Brooks B17 saddle enhances comfort.
• Handmade in London.

Brompton H6R Folding Bike spec as tested:

• Frame:                Hand-brazed Chromoly steel         
• Fork:                   Chromoly
• Brakes:               Brompton, Rim Brake         
• Chain:                 SRAM         
• Saddle:                Brooks B17 Men's         
• Tires:                   Schwalbe Marathon 
• Handlebar:         Upright H type         

Folding bikes are a curious beast. On the one hand, they are the ultimate portable vehicles for travelers who use the bikes only to close the short distance gap and then change the means of transport. 

So, comparing the best folding bikes to full-blown touring units wouldn't be quite fair.

For that very reason, we are very glad to say that, in spite of its inherent limitations, the Brompton H6R Folding Bike manages to find a pretty sweet spot between riding experience and portability.

 Throw into the equation a pair of small but very cushiony wheels upgraded with good-looking mudguards, and you will get a pretty good picture of what this bike's main mission is – getting you from point A to point B and making sure you feel comfortable in the process.

For instance, you get to choose between six different gears, which are pretty awesome for a folding unit. It also allows you to easily make an easy job from some sharper inclines, which would, with this wheel size, be a very tall order.

So, there you have it – a neat and streamlined vehicle that’s great both for casual city commuting and for closing the short touring distances. Just don’t ever confuse it for a professional touring bike.

2. SCHWINN loop

Schwinn Loop features:

• Front and rear linear-pull brakes deliver secure stops.
• Folding frame with 20-inch wheels fit riders 56 to 74 inches tall.
• Lightweight step-through frame folds for easy storage.
• 7-speed twist shifter provides smooth gear changes.
• Includes limited lifetime warranty for as long as you own the bike.

Schwinn Loop spec as tested:

• Frame:                Alloy        
• Fork:                   Steel Unicrown
• Brakes:               Alloy Linear Pull         
• Chain:                 KMC-Z51         
• Pedals:                Folding, resin        
• Crankset:            3-piece alloy with chainguard
• Weight:               33 lbs

The Schwinn Loop aluminum frame is sufficiently sturdy and not overly heavy – it amounts to manageable 15 kilograms you can easily carry in the storage bag you get in the package. 

The tires and brakes are serviceable but far from extraordinary. So, we can all agree that the core performance is pretty much intact, which is great news for money-conscious buyers.

Schwinn loop folds easily into a neat little package for easy storage and transport. You get a heavy nylon bag to store your bike in. 

You can simply just fold your bike and bring it inside with you. This makes sure your bike never gets stolen!

Due to its 7 gear shifter, the bike can easily ride up the hills without an extra pull. You have the best-designed pant guard at the front and rear fenders. 

Overall, it is a great bike for commuting.  

Best Cheap Touring Bike

1. SCHWINN DISCOVER

Schwinn Discover features:

• The aluminum frame is lighter and yet durable.
• 21-speed SRAM grip shifter.
• Fenders keep dirt off the rider and rear carrier for convenient city riding.
• Available in four different frame sizes.
• Fit for riders 5 feet 7 inch - 5 feet 10 inch tall.

Schwinn Discover spec as tested:

• Frame:                Aluminum        
• Fork:                   Schwinn, steel, suspension 
• Brakes:               Alloy Linear Pull         
• Pedals:                Resin platform w/ reflector           
• Saddle:                Schwinn vinyl comfort         
• Rims:                   Alloy rims

Here we have one very well-balanced vehicle that is aimed at all the casual riders who don't value cutting-edge specs as much as enjoyable performance and effortless gear shift.

The 21-speed SRAM gear shifter offers enough variety even for the most demanding riders and keeps shifting as effortlessly as possible. The overall feel is that all these parts are carefully chosen to balance the vehicle's price without compromising its quality.

To sum it all up, although this vehicle was obviously built for occasional joyrides rather than strenuous adventures on long-distance roads, it still manages to offer enough power and versatility to leave you pleasantly surprised even if you push it out of its comfort zone.

So, what’s up with the price? Some compromises needed to be made, right?

Well, yes, but fortunately, they are mostly superficial. We would much rather adjust with cheap fenders and difficult assembly than compromised core performance. 

In the end, this bike could be best described as utilitarian. It lacks all the bells and whistles you can find on the more expensive touring models but lacks virtually nothing necessary for a pleasant countryside ride.

For more info, we took a closer look at the Schwinn Discover, make sure to read this review before making a buying decision.

Best Road Touring Bike

1. Salsa Marrakesh Alivio Bike

Salsa Marrakesh Alivio Bike features:

• Triple-butted Chromoly steel frame and fork are comfortable and durable.
• Salsa Alternator Low-Deck rear rack included.
• Perfect geometry for expeditions and touring.
• Salsa Down Under front rack and Alternator 135 Low-Deck rear rack included.
• Shimano Alivio / Acera 3x9 speed drivetrain.

Salsa Marrakesh Alivio Bike spec as tested:

• Frame:                Marrakesh Triple Butted CroMoly       
• Fork:                   Marrakesh CroMoly Steel
• Brakes:               TRP Spyre-C         
• Chain:                 Shimano HG93          
• Saddle:                WTB Volt Steel Medium        
• Tires:                   Teravail Rampart
• Weight:               30 lbs

Well, let's start with the frame, which makes the structure of the entire bike. This time we have a beautiful Marrakesh Alivio bike steel frame specially designed to carry heavy loads without appearing too heavy.

Overall, a perfect blend for long-distance treks.

This whole situation is largely helped by the fact that the frame features near-perfect geometry, even when the vehicle is stacked with a heavy load.

The braking system is handled by TRP Spyre-C mechanical disc brakes, which is, by all means, an excellent choice. The brakes give you great control over the vehicle even when you're racing down the steep slopes.

When it comes to the wheels, the impression continues to be rock-solid. Both of them are supported with very strong WTB rims and wrapped up in the very grippy Teravail Rampart tires. The brand is famous for its high-quality products.

What we are left with in the end is the vehicle that makes some conscious divisive choices that may turn off a certain number of people but still produce one unparalleled long-distance road experience.

Best Electric bike for long-distance touring

1. TREK POWERFLY 5

Trek Powerfly 5 features:

• Trek's Removable Integrated Battery (RIB) system looks great.
• User-friendly electric mountain bike.
• The motor can help you sustain speeds of up to 20 mph.
• Lightweight aluminum frame.
• An e-MTB that pairs the boost of a Bosch electric bike system.

Trek Powerfly 5 spec as tested:

• Frame:                Alpha Platinum Aluminum     
• Fork:                   RockShox Judy Silver TK
• Brakes:               Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc      
• Chain:                 KMC X10          
• Saddle:                Bontrager Arvada        
• Tires:                   Bontrager XR3
• Weight:               M - 22.91 kg / 50.5 lbs

Finally, we have to scratch one very unique corner of the touring bike market – electric vehicles. Although they are far from a best-seller, electric bikes are still struggling with a couple of blemishes that prevent the technology from being more widely used.

The first one is the price which still presents a huge obstacle for the average consumer. The second comes in the form of added weight that comes with the electronic components and the battery.

We are happy to say that Trek Powerfly 5 somehow manages to leverage these obstacles and turn them into assets. This bike allows you to cover distances up to 130 kilometers in eco mode, develop speeds up to 33km/h and easily climb some incredibly steep inclines.

All these things do an excellent job justifying the bike's price. Essentially, you are buying a vehicle that has no problem carrying heavy long and transforming into a pretty snappy electric motorcycle.

As for the gear set, it’s serviceable but not exceptional. It serves its purpose rather well and allows you to traverse different terrains once the battery runs dry. The focus of this vehicle lies somewhere else anyway.

The bike is quite expensive, and we understand why you may want to dig a little deeper before making a buying decision, which is why we wrote an in-depth review on the Trek Powerfly 5+.

Some Helpful Tips when touring

Now that we've checked out some of the best touring bikes that are currently floating on the market, let's take some time to talk about the touring tips and see how you can manage the strengths and drawbacks of your vehicle.

• For a start, it would be a good idea to rely on the good old rule of thirds. Namely, you should divide your daily trek into three or more equal distances and make sufficient breaks between them. This way, you will be able to save enough energy for the latter stages.
• The second thing you should pay attention to is the wind. If you are clashing directly with the solid front wind, you should probably take a break until the wind calms down.
• Finally, do your best to keep yourself energized. Long riding tours tend to be quite exhausting. Do your best then to supply yourself with enough water and nutritious snacks to keep your engine running.

Must-have accessories

Of course, the task of covering great distances is made much easier if you are not equipped with appropriate touring accessories. Let's take a quick look at some of the absolute essentials you shouldn't leave your home without.

A bag to carry everything 

This may be obvious to those who've been touring, but you need a bag. And it needs to be fairly big. Here is the one we recommend.

Get yourself bag or panier kit

• Smart quick release/clip-on system - Just simply attach and detach bags within few seconds - no straps required! Easy and time saving!
• Hard base, reinforced, padded main body - A durable polypropylene base allows the bag to be set down on wet surfaces, protecting the cargo...
• Night riding safety - 360 Degree Reflective trim/ Taillight hanger design

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Tools and spare parts  

This one doesn’t require too much explanation. Barren roads can be a dangerous place. It would be best if you equipped yourself with all the necessary tools that can help you deal with problems that may arise along the way.

No products found.

Also always carry an extra inner tube or two, check out our bike tube review here. 

Camping gear

Long trips often leave you without a place to sleep. Buy yourself compact camping gear and put an end to this issue once and for all. Make sure you read our biking camping guide for more info.

Cooking gear

Sometimes, the entire days may pass without a decent restaurant on sight. And you can’t live off the snacks that entire time. So download some simple recipes and put them to good use with your new cooking gear.

Spare clothing

You don’t want the rain to spoil your countryside experience. Bring some spare clothes so you can easily change along the way.

Useful items 

By useful items we consider all the small things that don’t pack too much weight but can prove to be incredibly useful in the case of emergency – things like power banks,  a bike computer with GPS navigation, torches, etc.

The things you should know about bike touring

So, now that we've covered some basic things, it is important for you to understand a few things about bike touring.

The purpose of touring is to have fun, not to compete. That entails a couple of things. First, keep your own pace. Pushing yourself too hard will just spoil the enjoyment.  Second, find yourself a good company. 

The best adventures are shared with friends. Besides, this way, you will be able to help each other when things go wrong.

Another thing you need to know before setting off on long journeys is that bike touring is not for sleepyheads. If you want to avoid the intense sunlight and make the most out of your day, you will need to wake up as early as 4:30 AM to make use of your available time.

Last but not least, what works for one person doesn't necessarily work for the other. The level of enjoyment you'll be able to squeeze out once on the road will largely depend on your personal preferences and the type of road you're going to roam.

That brings us to the last chapter of today's topic.

How to choose the ideal Travel Companion

Although we’ve presented you with some of the best touring bikes money can currently buy, there is a strong chance neither one of them will suit your specific needs. Here are a couple of useful considerations you can make to find your ideal pick.

• Consider your budget – Investing too much money in the vehicle will make very little sense if you look at touring only as a pass-time activity.

• Destination – Different types of destinations will require a different type of vehicle. As a thumb rule, longer journeys require bikes with sufficient weight capacity.

• Paved or off-road – Paved roads require fast and steady vehicles. On the other hand, if most of your journey will occur off-road, you will need something with larger tires and a certain degree of shock absorption.

• Are you going to use public transport – If you plan to use public transport to close the distance gaps during your adventure, a smaller or foldable bike should be your vehicle of choice.

Common FAQs

Conclusion

We hope these few considerations and the picks we gave you will make your life just a bit easier. Bike touring is probably one of the best things you can do during vacation. You will be able to explore the world from a completely fresh perspective and develop some serious stamina along the way. You should not, however, take the whole issue lightly.

Sloppy preparations and the poor vehicle will only get you into trouble. So do your homework and take some time to do the necessary groundwork.

But, once you’re finally done, you will develop a passion that will last a lifetime.